Good morning, New Orleans.

Rooted School at SUNO held a holiday party for students and staff with cookie decorating, a gingerbread house competition and a community sing-along.

The school partnered with the Rickey Jackson Foundation (helping housing-insecure families) to collect nonperishable food items during the festivities.

Current Crop Roasting Shop has launched its new Espresso Bar offering freshly brewed coffee to go for busy locals and visitors.

The shop, now in its 3rd year, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

New Orleans’ vibrant music history was shaped by Bobby Marchan, who, over nearly 50 years, performed in drag and launched a rap label.

Born (Oscar James Gibson) in Ohio, he made his mark at the Dew Drop Inn and Jazz Fest before dying of liver cancer.

Verite News captured 2025’s biggest and quieter moments in photos, featuring the Hurricane Katrina 20th anniversary, a historic local election, and everyday community stories in New Orleans.

New Orleans is celebrating Kwanzaa with free, citywide events hosted by the New Orleans Kwanzaa Coalition and partners from Dec.

26 to Jan. 1. Today, the Kujichagulia event for children starts at 10:00 a.m. at Tremé Community Center (a key moment in the cultural series).

Kwanzaa celebrations began yesterday in New Orleans as a weeklong holiday of culture & community, featuring events that focus on shared values.

Locals can look forward to scheduled gatherings meant to unite participants and inspire togetherness.

Dominican High music students were honored by state music educators while teacher Angelle Caffery was elected regional vice president for the art association.

Several local schools announced Heritage auditions Jan. 10 (at the Wein Center), scholarship apps due Feb. 13 and open houses for prospective students to ease planning.

Residents in New Orleans can donate unflocked, undecorated Christmas trees to help restore wetlands when left curbside from Jan.

5 to Jan. 9; the trees will be used in Bayou Sauvage restoration. Jefferson Parish accepts trees from Jan. 7 to Jan. 10 (call 311 for earlier pickup).

A House bill introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace would let coastal Louisiana fishermen request federal disaster aid when foreign competition causes economic harm (a measure that could relieve shrimpers facing low prices from oversupplied imports).

Ochsner Medical Center in Kenner earned the 2026 High Performing designation for Maternity Care from US News and World Report — joining Ochsner St. Anne Hospital as the only two Louisiana hospitals with this top award.

It is recognized for care in lower-risk pregnancies using evidence-based practices.

George W. Sully House, a Garden District home built in 1847 and restored by Morris Adjmi, sold on Dec.

19 for $5.275 million, making it the highest-priced home sale of 2025 in Greater New Orleans. The property features 6 bedrooms & 6½ baths on one of the district's largest lots.

The Pelicans host the Suns tonight at the Smoothie King Center + they come off a loss to the Cavaliers that snapped their five-game winning streak, with Jordan Poole listed as questionable.

Hot 8 Brass Band Performance

10:30 PM - 12:00 AM — The Howlin' Wolf — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a lively mix of funk and brass with the Grammy-winning Hot 8 Brass Band.

Charmaine Neville Band Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Ticket info not provided — Experience the soulful sounds of Charmaine Neville, a beloved figure in the New Orleans music scene.

The Revivalists: New Year’s Eve Ball

7-11 p.m. — Orpheum Theater New Orleans — Ticket prices vary — Experience the intimate RevHeads Ball and celebrate the New Year with live music from The Revivalists.

Galactic Concert Featuring Anjelika Joseph

9:00-10:30 p.m. — Tipitina's — Tickets available — Experience a powerful performance by Anjelika 'Jelly' Joseph following her hit 'Fya'.

Bangers Album Release Party

8 PM — Maple Leaf Bar — $15 Adv, $20 Day of Show — Enjoy a lively night featuring SLUGGER with local talents.

Fair Grounds Live Racing

12:45-2:15 p.m. — Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots — Reservation required — Enjoy a thrilling afternoon of live horse racing and clubhouse dining.

Fair Grounds Live Racing

12:45-2:15 p.m. — Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots — Ticket prices may vary — Experience the excitement of live horse racing while enjoying clubhouse dining.

Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Le Petit Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience a delightful séance with the charmingly eccentric Madame Arcati and the hauntingly humorous antics that ensue.

Steve Detroy Trio Live Performance

1:00 PM – 8:30 PM — Fritzel's European Jazz Pub — Check for pricing — Experience the soulful, sophisticated sounds of the Steve Detroy Trio as part of the Happy Hour Concert Series.

Fair Grounds Live Racing

12:45-2:15 p.m. — Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots — Reservation required — Enjoy an exciting day of live horse racing with buffet dining options.